Cambridge-based ARM Holdings did well, rising 45p to 1,195p, as it revealed a 36 per cent rise in first-quarter profits due to strong demand for its technology from the world’s smartphone makers.

But Primark owner Associated British Foods came under pressure after half-year figures and shares fell by 5 per cent, or 151p, to 2,712p.

Among other top flight fallers, Rio Tinto dropped 62p to 2,812p following its trading update and BHP Billiton eased 18.5p to 1,463p. In the financial sector, Barclays fell 2.3p to 255p and Aviva eased 6p to 536p.

Outside the top flight, shares in Carpetright jumped as much as 7 per cent after chief executive Wilf Walsh highlighted progress in the company’s ­turnaround plan.

The Essex-based firm, which has 459 UK stores, said strong trading momentum saw its like-for-like sales jump 10.5 per cent in the 12 weeks to 18 April.